Category: Uncategorized

  • Hiroshima in One Day: World Heritage Sea Route & Shukkeien Garden

    Hiroshima in One Day: World Heritage Sea Route & Shukkeien Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:30 Meet at Hotel Hiroshima
    • 8:15 Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Museum
    • 9:50 World Heritage Sea Route
    • 11:00 Itsukushima Shrine
    • 12:00 Lunch @ Iwamura
    • 13:10 Ferry
    • 13:34 Miyajimaguchi Station
    • 13:58 Shin-Hakushima Station
    • 14:15 Hiroshima Castle
    • 15:15 Shukkeien Garden
    • 17:00 Disband at Hotel Hiroshima

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Day Tour of Hiroshima? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania. Due to work-related timing, their visit to Japan fell during this period. They traveled through Tokyo and Kyoto, arriving in Hiroshima the day before. Since they were also staying in Hiroshima on the day of the tour, there was plenty of time, so I was able to take them slowly through four of Hiroshima's most iconic sightseeing spots. They shared their impression that Hiroshima has more greenery than other cities and seems like a comfortable place to live. During the travel between locations, we exchanged questions about our families and each other's countries, making for a wonderful cultural exchange. At the end of the tour, they expressed their gratitude.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1FerryPeace Park~Miyajima1,100JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi Station~Shin-Hakushima Station330JPY
    Total1,430JPY

    Hi,
    I am Sumio, a licenced regional guide of Hiroshima. I have been doing the guiding since I retired in 2018.
    I was born in Hiroshima and have spent most of my life here in Hiroshima except for eight years in Tokyo and for two years in U.K.
    I like guiding and feel always happy to meet people coming from abroad. Perhaps you might visit Hiroshima to know what Hiroshima has been like since the atomic bombing for the first time in human history in 1945. I guide not only to the historical architecture and monuments but also to the situation and feeling of ordinary people suffered. I believe that knowing Hiroshima could contribute to world peace for the future even at grass-roots level.
    After visiting Peace Memorial Park, I would like to guide you to Miyajima, the sacred island from ancient time. The island is abundant not only in
    history but in natural beauties with a panoramic view if you go up to the top of the island.
    I would be pleased to guide as many sightseeing spots as possible and share fun and joy with you!
    Looking forward to meeting you in Hiroshima.
    Regards,
    Sumio

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Hotel – 11:10 Meiji Shrine – 12:00 Harajuku Takeshita Street – 12:45 Tsukiji Outer Market 13:20 Lunch – 14:45 Pokemon Center Dismissal

    Title: What Can You See on a 4-Hour Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America on their first trip to Japan. After explaining an overview of Tokyo and Japan, we roughly decided on places we could cover in four hours and started from Meiji Shrine. When I explained the "omamori" charms, which are believed to offer various kinds of protection and benefits, the guests purchased some as souvenirs for friends. Even though it was a weekday, Takeshita Street was packed with crowds of people, and the guests were amusingly impressed, saying they could never experience such crowds back home. We enjoyed an authentic sushi lunch at Tsukiji, and on the way to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, I mentioned that there is a "Pokémon Center" in Nihonbashi, and the guests said they very much wanted to go. Since shopping would take some time, we parted ways there.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNishi-Shinjuku 5-chome~Yoyogi178JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Otemachi209JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi~Tsukiji178JPY
    Section 4SubwayTsukiji~Nihombashi178JPY
    Total743JPY

    Welcome to Japan. My name is Michio, your tour guide in Tokyo and Japan. I was born and grown up in Tokyo, and still living in western suburb of Tokyo with my wife, except for 10 years outside of Japan travelling and living in 60 countries. So I might have visited your country and still remember a few words.
    Japan has unique history, nature and culture, and there are plenty of secrets and wonders behind them such as food culture, Zen and Ninja.
    So please explore and discover the hidden and most beautiful part of Japan together. Let’s experience!

    Oct 25, 2025
    Carla_G
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking…
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking tour was fantastic! Michio…

    Oct 24, 2025
    410trishab
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — Outstanding Tour with Michio and Nobuhiko!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from…

    Oct 11, 2025
    GoPlaces52694049181
    We enjoyed our time in Tokyo with Michio our tour guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    PiscesV
    Sushi for breakfast at 630am? Yes please!!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel
    • 10:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:30 Shibuya Scramble Square
    • 12:20 Lunch @ Uotsuki
    • 13:00 Tsukiji Market
    • 14:00 Asakusa
    • 15:10 Tour ends at Asakusa

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji, and Asakusa The guests were visitors from Europe who love to travel and have visited many countries around the world. Since there were no specific requests, on the morning of the tour I suggested Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji, and Asakusa, and they agreed. At the end, they said they wanted to finish by enjoying a beer in Asakusa, so I recommended the observation lounge on the 22nd floor of the Asahi Beer headquarters building. After we parted ways, they sent me a thank-you email along with a photo of themselves enjoying a beer while taking in the view. I was glad to see that they seemed very satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayDaimon~Harajuku366JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku~Shibuya146JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya~Tsukiji209JPY
    Section 4SubwayTsukiji~Asakusa209JPY
    Total930JPY

    Very nice to meet you! I’m An, your guide for Tokyo and Kamakura. I’m honored to have the opportunity to show you around this time. (For the Tokyo Tour)Tokyo offers a wide variety of attractions. For first-time visitors, I highly recommend visiting the must-see places, such as Meiji Jingu Shrine, the Imperial Palace East Garden, the Tsukiji Fish Market, and Asakusa (Sensoji Temple). For Anime fans, Akihabara is the place to go. For those who prefer less-known spots, I’d be happy to introduce some hidden gems. As for food, if you’re interested in trying some great ramen, I’d be glad to take you to one of my favorite local spots for lunch. (For the Kamakura Tour) For a 6-hour itinerary, I recommend visiting the Great Buddha, Hase Temple, and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. On the way back to JR Kamakura Station, we can also stop by Komachi Shopping Street. If you’re interested in visiting Zen temples, I’d be happy to include them in the itinerary as well. For both Tokyo and Kamakura tours, I’m always glad to accommodate your requests. I look forward to hearing from you and meeting you soon!

    Sep 25, 2026
    tkdmom321
    Best way to start a trip to Tokyo!!!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Ann (An in…

    Jul 26, 2026
    Mariana_V
    Viator review: Kamakura Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    This customizable tour…
    This customizable tour worked really well for us…

    Jul 19, 2026
    RC1908
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    6 Hour Tour of Tokyo
    We (four of us) had a…

    Jul 11, 2026
    Marina K
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tokio the easy way
    An hat mir eine…

  • Ishikawa in One Day: Kanazawa Castle Park & Higashi Chaya District

    Ishikawa in One Day: Kanazawa Castle Park & Higashi Chaya District

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at the lobby of Hotel, take a taxi to Kenrokuen
    • 9:50 Stroll through Kenrokuen, visit the Ishikawa Crafts and Traditional Arts Museum on the way, and shop at the museum shop
    • 11:00 Stroll through Kanazawa Castle Park
    • 11:30 From Nezumita Gate to Oyama Shrine
    • 11:45 From in front of Oyama Shrine, visit the Ashigaru Museum, Takada Family Ruins, and Nomura Family, then stroll through the Nagamachi Samurai District
    • 12:50 From in front of the Nomura Family, take the Kanazawa Flat Bus to Omicho Market
    • 13:05 Lunch at Omicho Market
    • 13:40 Stroll through Omicho Market, buy fruits
    • 13:50 Take the Hokuriku Railway bus to Hashibacho
    • 14:00 Walk from Hashibacho bus stop to Kinpaku Sakuda Main Store
    • 14:10 At Kinpaku Sakuda Main Store, watch the gold leaf manufacturing process and shop
    • 14:45 Stroll through Higashi Chaya District
    • 15:20 Board the bus bound for Kanazawa Station at Hashibacho bus stop to finish

    What Is a Private Kanazawa Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were an energetic group from Oceania who walked briskly despite the heat. They had visited Japan many times before, but this was their first time in Kanazawa. They showed great interest in the samurai heritage and gold leaf of Kanazawa. They seemed to enjoy the beauty of Kenrokuen Garden and the stroll through the Nagamachi Samurai District, walking along the canals. For lunch, they had a sashimi and rice set at a local restaurant inside Omicho Market, and said it was delicious. At a gold leaf shop's main store, they were moved by an explanation of how gold imported from Oceania is used to make gold leaf as thin as one ten-thousandth of a millimeter using traditional techniques, and they were able to touch it themselves.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusNagamachi Samurai District~Omicho Market100JPY
    Section 2BusMusashigatsuji~Hashibacho210JPY
    Total310JPY

    Hello.
    My name is Masayo Shirai.
    I have been a national licensed tour guide of English since April in 2014.
    I was born. raised, and still living near the Higashi Chaya District in Kanazawa.
    I have guided lots of foreign guests in my hometown Kanazawa, Gokayama, Shirakawago, Takaymam, Kaga, Fukui, and Toyama.
    I have guided FIT, highend FIT, group tour, and bus tours.
    I have been learning tea cemoney, flower arrangement, and noh performance of noh chanting and playing the hand drum.
    I can take you to the experience spot of such traditional cultural spots in my hometown, Kanazawa,

    Oct 5, 2025
    L
    LightPacker147788
    Kanazawa visit
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Very interesting tour with Masayo. She took us…

    Jun 27, 2025
    H6092PZsuem
    Pleasant and interesting morning
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Masayo was our guide for the morning.…

    Mar 16, 2025
    952bonnieh
    Wonderful!!!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We loved our time with Masayo! Thank you for a…

    Jan 3, 2025
    U5110ZKjades
    A day in Kanazawa with Masayo!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Masayo Shirai was an excellent…

  • Takayama Customized Half-Day Tour

    Takayama Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Takayama Station → Takayama Jinya → Hie Shrine → Sanmachi Street (including Harada Sake Brewery and Funasaka Sake Store) → Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine → Takayama Festival Float Exhibition Hall, Sakurayama Nikkokan → Dekonaru Yokocho → Mercure Hida Takayama

    At Takayama Jinya, the guests were interested in the structure of the roof. At a sake brewery, the guests wanted to buy an ochoko cup as a souvenir, but were told that "whether it includes a tasting or is just the ochoko cup without a tasting, the price is the same at 350 yen." Next, at another sake shop, ochoko cups were being sold in a capsule-toy machine for 100 yen, so the guests bought several. However, the shop staff said, "These ochoko cups are for tastings, so each adult can only purchase one. Any beyond that will cost 250 yen," and in the end the ochoko cups were returned and refunded. The capsule-toy machine did have "these are for tastings" written in both Japanese and English, but the rules were hard to understand, so caution is advised. Following the guests in July, this time the guests also wanted to buy a kitchen knife as a souvenir, and once again I introduced "Kore no Ha" located in Shimo-ninomachi. Since the shop owner is fluent in English, the guests were satisfied and purchased a kitchen knife. When I explained the meaning of the sarubobo, the guests purchased one as a souvenir. When I explained that Hida beef is also famous, the guests made a reservation for it for dinner.

    I am good at factory tours (sake, food, etc.), restaurants and entertainments for adult (pub, karaoke, snack bar, etc.).
    I have been to 91 countrires. And I traveled around the world (14 countrires) for three month in 2023.
    I like travel and I prefer vist islands in Japan. I have been to 232 islands in Japan.
    I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter. I am also Certified General Travel Services Manager, and Certified Domestic Tour Conductor.
    I had worked 35 years at Japanese beer company until last year. So, I like drinking very much.

    Welcome to Elvis’s guided tours! With a passion for Japan, I offer you an unforgettable experience exploring Japan. As a guide interpreter fluent in English, I ensure you not only see the sights but also understand the stories behind them.

    My guided tours are tailored to suit your interests, whether you’re intrigued by the ancient history of Japan, captivated by its vibrant culture, or simply want to immerse yourself in its natural beauty. With me, you’ll delve deep into the heart of [location], discovering hidden gems and local secrets that most tourists never experience.

    I bring to life the rich history of [location], narrating its tales of triumphs and tribulations with passion and flair. From the ancient ruins that whisper tales of bygone eras to the modern marvels that define its skyline, each tour is a journey through time, offering you a glimpse into the soul of Japan.

    Beyond history, I also showcase the vibrant culture of Japan, introducing you to its arts, cuisine, and traditions. Whether it’s savoring the flavors of local cuisine, exploring traditional crafts, or immersing yourself in festive celebrations, I ensure you experience the true essence of Japan.

    As a guide interpreter fluent in English, I bridge the gap between cultures, ensuring smooth communication and enriching interactions with locals. Whether you’re bargaining at a bustling market or conversing with a local artisan, I’m there to facilitate meaningful connections that enhance your travel experience.

    My guided tours are not just about sightseeing; they’re about creating lasting memories. I strive to make each tour informative, engaging, and, above all, fun! Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or in a group, I tailor the experience to suit your preferences, ensuring you leave with a deeper appreciation for Japan.

    So, if you’re ready to embark on a journey of discovery, join me on a guided tour that goes beyond the ordinary. Let me show you the wonders of Japan through the eyes of a passionate guide interpreter. Your adventure awaits!

    Sep 15, 2026
    Jardon_B
    Walking tour of Takayama
    Viator review: Takayama Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great walking tour of Takayama! Miyagawa Morning…

    Apr 2, 2026
    Paul_M
    Viator review: Magome & Tsumago Nakasendo Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fascinating Tour of historic Trail
    We recently completed this…

    Sep 28, 2025
    Colleen_E
    Totally worth the cost! Thanks Elvis!
    Viator review: Nagoya Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    Elvis was so great!…

    Apr 21, 2025
    E9436SKdrews
    great tour with Elvis
    Tripadvisor review: Takayama Local Cuisine, Food & Sake Cultural Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I…

  • Tokyo Instagram Spots Customized Tour

    Tokyo Instagram Spots Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel – 10:30 Fukagawa Fudodo – 11:40 Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine 12:10 Lunch – 13:20 Imperial Palace East Gardens – 14:30 Harajuku Takeshita Street – 15:20 Meiji Shrine – 16:15 Omotesando Station Hanzomon Line Platform Dismissal

    What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fukagawa Temples and Shrines This was a private Tokyo tour for guests from North America. It was their first visit to Japan, and they had never been to other Asian countries either; they were scheduled to board a cruise ship a few days later to travel around various parts of Japan. After a brief introduction to Tokyo and Japan, we started at a Buddhist temple and a Shinto shrine in Fukagawa. The flea market usually held on Sundays was not taking place, but we ended up having lunch on the spur of the moment at a "Fukagawa-meshi" restaurant located at the gate of the Hachimangu shrine. The restaurant had the atmosphere of a typical Japanese eatery, and the guests unexpectedly enjoyed that ambiance. Furthermore, at a handicraft shop next door, they purchased high-quality chopsticks. They were delighted with the careful gift wrapping.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayMitsukoshimae~Monzen-nakacho178JPY
    Section 2SubwayMonzen-nakacho~Otemachi178JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi~Meiji-jingumae Station209JPY
    Section 4SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Omotesando178JPY
    Total743JPY

    Welcome to Japan. My name is Michio, your tour guide in Tokyo and Japan. I was born and grown up in Tokyo, and still living in western suburb of Tokyo with my wife, except for 10 years outside of Japan travelling and living in 60 countries. So I might have visited your country and still remember a few words.
    Japan has unique history, nature and culture, and there are plenty of secrets and wonders behind them such as food culture, Zen and Ninja.
    So please explore and discover the hidden and most beautiful part of Japan together. Let’s experience!

    Oct 25, 2025
    Carla_G
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking…
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking tour was fantastic! Michio…

    Oct 24, 2025
    410trishab
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — Outstanding Tour with Michio and Nobuhiko!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from…

    Oct 11, 2025
    GoPlaces52694049181
    We enjoyed our time in Tokyo with Michio our tour guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    PiscesV
    Sushi for breakfast at 630am? Yes please!!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Itsukushima Shrine & Peace Memorial Museum

    Hiroshima in One Day: Itsukushima Shrine & Peace Memorial Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:10 Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 10:20 Itsukushima Shrine
    • 11:00 Omote-sando street
    • 11:30 World Heritage Route
    • 12:15 Peace Memorial Park
    • 13:30 Peace Memorial Museum
    • 15:30 End the tour at Hiroshima station

    Title: What Is a Private Miyajima and Hiroshima Peace Park Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour was originally booked for three, but one of the guests did not travel to Hiroshima, so the group became two. Today was again a day with temperatures over 30 degrees, but perhaps because of the continuous heat, it felt quite comfortable. Since high tide was in the morning today, we visited Miyajima first. Along the main approach, the guests enjoyed things such as a lemon drink. For lunch I recommended okonomiyaki, but it did not appeal to one of the guests. When I asked again after returning to Hiroshima City, they said they were not hungry, so we simply continued the tour. Along the way, the guests enjoyed some rice crackers they had brought with them. After visiting the Peace Memorial Park and the museum, I also suggested going to Shukkeien Garden, but the reply was that they wished to head back. I helped them change their Shinkansen tickets, and the tour came to an end. Around that time, it also began to rain. One of the guests is studying Japanese. It was their first visit to Japan, and of course they said they would love to come back again.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2OtherMiyajima Port~Peace Park Pier1,100JPY
    Section 3BusPeace Park~Hiroshima Station Shinkansen Exit220JPY
    Total1,740JPY

    Hi. I’m Michi. I’m a national licensed tour guide in English.
    I want to introduce many faces and charms of Japan and make your stay in Japan more fascinating and satisfying.

    I was born and raised in Hiroshima. My first tour in English was as a volunteer guide for the visitors to my school when I was a junior high school student. It gave me a great opportunity to study about the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.
    I spent my life in Hiroshima except for 6 years; 1 year in the UK as a student and 5 years working in Singapore and Malaysia. During this period I enjoyed meeting and talking with people from different cultural backgrounds.
    These experiences encouraged me to be a licensed tour guide.

    In Hiroshima, there are two famous World Heritage Sites, the Atomic Bomb Dome in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial & Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima.
    I have experienced many tours of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum & Park since I was a junior high school student. I would like to introduce you to the a-bomb legacies that are still existing in the city and the stories under the mushroom cloud.
    I also would like to share time with you on a historic island, Miyajima. There is one of the most famous Shinto shrines, the Itsukushima Shrine. We can share an enjoyable time by exploring a sacred atmosphere, tradition, nature, food, etc.

    I am also an official ‘A-bomb legacy successor’ designated by the City of Hiroshima. An A-bomb Legacy Successor is a memory keeper of the A-bomb survivors. To ensure that the A-bomb survivors’ experiences and desires for peace are faithfully inherited and shared with as many people as possible, the City has started a three-year training program for official ‘A-bomb Legacy Successors. ‘

    Let me support your stay in Japan and I look forward to showing you the best of Japan!
    Hope to see you soon!

    Jan 2, 2025
    georgeweller
    Excellent tour by a very knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Michi-San was an…

    Nov 8, 2024
    Andrew M
    Awesome experience! Michi was the best guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Awesome…

    Nov 8, 2024
    Andrew_M
    Awesome day! Michi was an amazing guide!
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Awesome day!…

    Sep 16, 2024
    alexandermM7944BB
    Day tour with Michi
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Michi, our guide, was amazing!…

  • Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Hotel meet 8:35 Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge 9:00 Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple 10:00 Gio-ji Temple 10:40 Nison-in Temple 11:15 Lunch (Arashiyama Shorai-an) 13:20 Kinkaku-ji Temple 14:50 Fushimi Inari
    • 15:45 Return to hotel Tour ends

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. A travel agency acted as an intermediary, so rather than negotiating directly, I followed the agency's instructions. A vehicle with a driver was arranged through the agency. This day was cloudy from the morning, and without direct sunlight it was a relatively comfortable day to be out. The guests walked at a good pace. I joined the group for lunch at Shoreian in Arashiyama. It was a shabu-shabu meal centered on tofu and yuba, with many carefully crafted dishes, and everyone enjoyed the food. I included some time for shopping along the way, but the guests were not particularly keen on it and only bought a few items. During sightseeing at Fushimi Inari, one of the guests began to feel a headache, so we headed to the Hotel right away and ended the tour a little earlier than planned. Thanks to this, we also avoided the rain that started around 4 o'clock. The photo was taken at Gioji Temple.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherHenn na Hotel Kyoto Hachijoguchi Station~Henn na Hotel Kyoto Hachijoguchi Station0JPY
    Total0JPY

    I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.

    Sep 28, 2026
    Miguel_E
    Amazing Service
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful time with Kazuo.…

    Sep 27, 2026
    T
    TrailBlazer47194
    Kazuo Sumi is a great guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide Kazuo Sumi…

    Sep 1, 2026
    Steve6172014
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour…

    Aug 7, 2026
    Pascale_Q
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Very good private tour of Kyoto with Kazuo
    We had…

  • Ishikawa in Half a Day: Kanazawa Castle & Higashi Chaya District

    Ishikawa in Half a Day: Kanazawa Castle & Higashi Chaya District

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Hotel Premier Kanazawa Korinbo
    • 10:10 Nagamachi Samurai District, Nomura Family Residence
    • 10:40 Oyama Shrine, Gyokusen'inmaru Garden
    • 11:00 Kanazawa Castle
    • 12:30 Higashi Chaya District
    • 13:00 Disband at Higashi Chaya District

    What Is a Private Kanazawa Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe. At the Nomura Samurai House, they were interested in the carp in the garden and the swords in the museum. At a souvenir shop in front of Oyama Shrine, one of the guests bought some small souvenirs. We visited Oyama Shrine and Gyokusen'in Garden, and toured Kanazawa Castle. Originally, we had planned to see Kenrokuen afterward, but instead decided to go to the Higashi Chaya District. Both of the guests were looking for plain sparkling water, and we were finally able to find some at a rest area in Kanazawa Castle. In the Higashi Chaya District, after I explained the streets as we walked around, it was time for lunch, so I introduced a Western-style restaurant. Since I had been told in advance that this tour did not include lunch, we parted ways here. One of the guests had a wonderful camera, and both of them seemed eager to take various photos of the scenery in Kanazawa.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKenrokuen-shita~Hashiba-cho210JPY
    Total210JPY

    I majored in civil engineering at a college and am interested in historical infrastructures. I have also guided foreign people around Ishikawa Prefecture, Toyama Prefecture, Gifu Prefecture, and Fukui Prefecture as an international activity of an English circle. I was a volunteer interpreter at the training camp for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in 2021.

    Hokuriku region has a lot of sightseeing spots as follows, beautiful landscapes like Kenrokuen Garden and Tateyama, tasty food like traditional Kaga dishes and fresh seafood from Toyama Bay, traditional crafts like Kaga Yuzen dyeing, Takaoka copperware, and Inami woodcarving. I introduce these spots and historical infra tourism such as Kurobe dam and industrial tourism.

    I also work as a translator. I translated the Japanese firefly squid tourism pamphlet into English in 2020.

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/shoten-sasaki/

    May 26, 2026
    C4211GUbrittanym
    Tripadvisor review: Toyama 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Great time in Toyama!
    Nice tour, guide was very nice and…

    May 14, 2026
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    Great tour in Kanazawa with Sho
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  • Tokyo in One Day: Zojoji Temple & Hamarikyu Gardens

    Tokyo in One Day: Zojoji Temple & Hamarikyu Gardens

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Hotel Intergate Tokyo Kyobashi
    • 10:50 Imperial Palace・Nijubashi Bridge
    • (Travel by subway/Hibiya→Onarimon)
    • 11:30 Zojoji Temple
    • 11:45 Tokyo Tower
    • (Travel by taxi)
    • 12:30 Lunch at WATERS Takeshiba・atre
    • 13:30 Hamarikyu Gardens
    • 14:35〜15:15 Travel from WATERS Takeshiba Pier to Asakusa by water bus
    • 15:20 Asakusa Shrine・Sensoji Temple・Asakusa Area
    • (Travel by subway/Asakusa→Takaracho)
    • 16:40 Hotel Intergate Tokyo Kyobashi

    Title: What's a First-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like from the Imperial Palace to Asakusa? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. Another member of the group was attending an academic conference in Asia and planned to join in Tokyo a few days later, after which the group would stay in Japan for a total of about two weeks, including Kyoto and Hiroshima. Having arrived the previous night, today was their first day of sightseeing in the city. Among the major attractions, I proposed an itinerary that included the guests' requested spots — the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Tower, and Asakusa — along with a ride on a water bus. Despite the heat, the guests walked energetically and were very pleased that we were able to visit many sightseeing spots.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHibiya~Onarimon180JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Takaracho220JPY
    Total400JPY

    Hello! I am Osamu Kitagawa , National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter(English). Please call me SAM.
    I love Japanese culture, history, and visiting historical places, scenic spots, and fashionable spots as well. I can guide you all over Japan as I have ever visited all prefectures in Japan. I have a global experience in international banking business including residing in Hong Kong and Jakarta. So I’m able to have daily conversations in Indonesian language, too. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon!

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